The Popular '70s Tile Color That Now Screams Outdated

Renovating any room in your home can be a long, decision-packed process. There are countless products, designs, and styles to choose from, whether you're selecting kitchen countertops or hardware for your bathroom faucet and cabinets. Many homeowners are shifting back to retro interior design styles, bringing in looks from the 1970s for the nostalgia and warmth. It's time to say goodbye to the cold, minimalist looks of granite and marble countertops, the farmhouse aesthetic, and all-white walls. Interior design trends are now harking back to colorful and bold styles, like checkerboard tile countertops and intricate wood paneling floors. However, there is one tile color that is now considered outdated and should be avoided if you don't want your home to look out of style: avocado green. 

"I think people are sick of the neutral reign of terror, and they're looking forward to seeing some happier colors that aren't a pallid millennial pink," Rick Berres, owner of Honey-Doers in Lakeville, MN, told Realtor.com. "Now, is avocado green the best step forward? Maybe not, but it's a step in the direction of color and personality."

Avocado green was everywhere in the 1970s, particularly in the form of bathroom tiles. However, interior design trends often come and go, and what used to be considered luxurious is now seen as cliché or outdated, like gray and white walls or matching furniture sets. Avocado green is a color homeowners may quickly tire of. Plus, a kitchen or bathroom that looks outdated could affect the appeal of your home to possible homebuyers, should you try to put it on the market. Overall, while avocado green may not be the choice for you, there are plenty of other hues that may be your golden (or green) ticket.

If you want a retro green for your kitchen tile but don't want it to feel outdated or bland, there are plenty of options to choose from. Try the lighter, pastel greens of sage or mint. These subtler shades create an airy aesthetic in your kitchen without being too overbearing. Sage in particular is often recommended for a calming look that is also extremely versatile. Pistachio is another green that designers are favoring for 2026, with plenty of color pairings that help the shade feel timeless. For a bolder look, a rich dark green like forest or hunter green is an excellent option, especially when paired with white grout. This look feels rich and works with a variety of wood grains for kitchen cabinets. Whichever style you go for, there are plenty of shades of green to choose from that don't scream millennial cringe.

If you're still considering avocado green or any new color, it's best to start small. Instead of installing new tile, which can be a long and tedious process that is hard to undo if you grow tired of the color, try adding subtle hints to your home first. This could mean snagging a few towels or runner rugs in the shade you desire. You could test the color with curtains, utensils, or barstools. This lets you see how the hue works with the rest of your home's aesthetic. Does it create a color palette that makes your honey oak cabinets look modern? Does it complement the hardware of your sink? Testing out the color in small ways is a much more palatable way to experience it and can give you a better idea of whether or not you want to go for it in terms of tile.